Wrapping machine



Nov. l, 1955 M. H. CORLEY ET AL WRAPPING MACHINE 7 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Feb. 11, 1952 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Nov. 1, 1955 M. H. coRLEY ET AL WRAPPING MACHINE Filed Feb. 11, 1952 Nov. l, 1955 M. H. coRLEY ET AL 2,722,093

WRAPPING MACHINE Filed Feb. l1, 1952 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 W Mis,

Nov. l, 1955 M. H. coRLl-:Y ETAL WRAPPING MACHINE 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Feb. ll, 1952 INVENTORS. 27m/ /Z @Uff NOV l, 1955 M. H. coRLEY ETAL WRAPPING MACHINE 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Feb. 1l, 1952 INVENTO 27h/ C0;M

WRAPPING MACHINE 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Feb. 11, 1952 NOV- l, 1955 M. H. coRLEY ET AL 2,722,093

WRAPPING MACHINE Filed Feb. 1l, 1952 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 i INVENTORS. MC2/ Coffe United States Patent() WRAPPING MACHINE Mark H. Corley, River Forest, and Ralph F. Barber, Elmhurst, Ill., assignors to Miller Wrapping & Sealing Machine Co., Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Application February 11, 1952, Serial No. 271,054

32 Claims. (Cl. 53-17) This invention relates' to wrapping machines and more particularly to a machine for folding the ends of a strip of Wrapping material which has previously been folded about the article to be packaged.

It is the general object of this invention to produce a new and improved Wrapping machine.

It is a more specific object of this invention to produce a wrapping machine which will form a tight fold around compressible articles.

Yet another object of the invention is to produce a folding apparatus for a wrapping machine in which material, previously wrapped in one direction about an article moving along a predetermined path, is folded by folding means which are moved along the path with the article.

Another object of the invention is to produce a folding means for folding the material at the ends of an article moving along a predetermined path in which the folding means operate first to center the article in its movement along the path and then to fold the material at the open ends of the article.

Yet another object of the invention is to produce a wrapping machine of the type described in the preceding paragraphs in which a fold is rst formed in the ends of an article and then the fold is heat sealed in the material and in which means are provided for holding the fold in the article until the same has been heat sealed.

A further object of the invention is to provide a wrapping machine of the general type hereinbefore described which is provided with a closing member for folding the top portion of the material over a fold formed in the sides and bottom of the material at the end of an article with the closing member being so constructed and arranged as to compress the article and then to heat seal the fold so that the natural resilience of the article being wrapped maintains the wrapping material tightly therearound.

A great number of wrapping machines have been designed for wrapping packages of various sizes and shape. Such machines may operate without unusual difficulty when the article being wrapped is relatively rigid such a's a cardboard box and the like. Difficulty has been experienced, however, in the wrapping of resilient articles such as food products, for example a group of frankfurters. Such a group does not possess any Well defined predetermined shape, and the usual wrapping machine has been found to be quite incapable of producing a tight Wrap around such products.

The wrapping machine hereinafter to be described is particularly adapted for producing a tight wrap around such difficult articles, as frankfurters and other resilient articles, either by the normal end seal or an underlap seal. To this end the machine is provided with a folding means for folding the sides and bottom of wrapping material folded once around the article 'and with a closing member movable downwardly and inwardly so as to fold the top portion of such material over the pre- ICC vously folded portion and simultaneously to compress the article. The closing member may, in one form of construction, be heated so that it simultaneously heat seals the end or, if desired, a plowshare folder may be incorporated in the machine to form an underlap fold. In either event, in the preferred form of construction, the folding means which forms the first fold in the material at the ends of the articles is maintained stationary relative to the article (and thus if the article is moving the folder is moved along with the article) and is withdrawn only upon contact of the closing member with the unfolded top portion so that at no time is the fold released. By so holding the fold in the article, a neat and tightly wrapped package results even though the article is one normally diicult to wrap.

The foregoing and other features and objects of the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description and drawings, in which:

Fig. l is a top plan view of a wrapping machine embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the wrapping machine shown in Fig. l;

Figs'. 3 and 4 are sectional views each taken along line 3 3 of Fig. l and showing the folding mechanism in two different operating positions;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view along line 5 5 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is an elevational view of the drive mechanism of the apparatus taken substantially along line 6-6 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 7 is a side elevational view of the top closing t member designed in accordance with a modified form of many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail two specific embodiments, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplication of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiment illustrated. The scope of the invention will be pointed out in the appended claims.

Referring now to Figs. l and 2, the wrapping machine includes a framework 10 upon which is mounted a first conveyor A for moving packages 11 and 11a along a predetermined path. Positioned along the path of movement of the articles is a folding mechanism B for centering the article on the conveyor A and for folding the bottom and sides of the material at the end of the article; a closing member C for folding the top portion of the material downwardly over the folded sides and bottom and for performing the further function, if desired, of heat sealing the fold in the wrapping material; a second conveying mechanism D for rapidly moving the article over a plate E which may be heated and onto a belt conveyor F which serves to move the completed package olf the machine.

It will be noted from an inspection of Fig. 1 that the folding mechanism B and the closing members C are duplicated on both sides of the machine, thus the righthand side of the machine (taken relative to the movement of the article from left to right along the rst conveyor A) is provided with folder B and closing members C while the left-hand side is provided with another folder B and other closing members C. As the mechanism of the machine is substantially duplicated on each side the description will, for the purpose of brevity, be, for the most part, directed to the apparatus on the righthand side of the machine, it being understood that such apparatus is duplicated on the other side of the machine and such duplicate apparatus, for the purpose of clarity, is given identical reference numerals with those at the left-hand side being primed.

The upper portion 12 of the framework which carries the folding and closing apparatus on the right-hand side of the machine is movable toward and away from the framework 12 carrying the apparatus on the other side in order that the two sides of the conveying mechanism A and A' may be moved toward and away from each other to accommodate packages of various width. To this end threaded adjusting rods 13, 14 and 15 are provided withy each of the rods engaging suitable threaded portions in the frameworks 12 and 12. For rotating the adjusting rods there is provided a hand wheel 16 connected by means of a chain drive 17 to the rod 13 and by ay second chain drive 18 to a sprocket 19 in turn connected by a chain drive 20 to the adjusting rod 14. The adjusting rod 14 is connected by still another chain drive 2L to the adjusting rod 15 so that by rotation of the hand wheel 16, separation of the upper frame portions 12 and 12 may be achieved.

rIlhe firstl conveyor mechanism A comprises a pair of endless chains 30 and 30 passing around suitable sprockets 31, 31a, 31h and 31C. The sprocket 31b is fixed to a drive rod 32 (Fig. 6) which carries a sprocket 33 engaging a chain 34 in turn engaged by a sprocket 35 fixed to a crankshaft 36. The crankshaft is driven by a chain drive 37 through a speed reduction gearing 38 in turn driven by a V-belt 39 and electric motor 40.

The chain 30 carries a number of suitable spaced lugs, such as the lugs 41 and 41a, which serve to` move the articles 11 and 11a along tracks 42 and 42.

The folding mechanism Referring now to Figs. 3-5, the folding mechanism B` includes a carriage 50 movably mounted on the framework of the machine. Carried by the carriage are suitablyv constructed folding fingers 51 arranged to be actuated bythe actuating mechanism 52 so as to fold the bottom and sides of the material extending over the ends of an article moving along the conveyor A. In the operation of the machine it is contemplated that the wrapping material, will be folded once around the article with the material extending over each end and the article so wrapped (or banded, as it is termed in the art,) will be placed upon the conveyor A in which condition the folding fingers 51 perform the folding operation just described. As the movement of the conveyor A lis continuous, suitable drive means are provided, and will be hereinafter described, for moving the carriage 50 along the path of movement taken by the article on the conveyor so as to maintain the folder B stationary relative to the article during the folding operation performed by the fingers. Toward this end the carriage 50 is supported by wheels 53 upon a fixed cross rod 54 supported in the framework.

Pivotally secured to the carriage 50 is a pair of pivot arms 55 and 55a. The arm 55 is pivoted at its other end to one apex of a substantially triangular link 56. A toggle arm 57 is pivoted at one end to another apex of the link 56 and its other end to one end of a rock shaft or lever 58 in turn pivoted intermediate its ends to the carriage and carrying at its other end a cam roller 59 movable along a cam 60 fixed to the frame of the machine. A spring 58a serves to hold the roller against the cam.

The link 56 is fixed to one end of a squared finger block 61 which in turn carries a bar 62 on which the folding fingers are mounted. The other end of the block 61 is pivotally connected to the inner end of arm 55a to cause the arms to operate together. A second link 63 is pivoted at one end to the third apex of the link 56 and` at another apex to one end of a linger actuating arm 64, the other end of which is pivoted to one of. the arms 65 of a bell crank lever pivoted to the carriage. The other arm 66 of the bell crank lever carries a second cam roller 67 movable along a cam 68 fixed to the framework.

The arrangement of the arms 55 and 57 and the link 56 is such as to form, in effect, a parallelogram system for moving the finger block 61 and hence the fingers in substantially vertical arrangement upwardly and downwardly with similar movement of the arms. The operation of the lever 58 in conjunction with the toggle arm 57 provides, in effect, a parallelogram, one side of which is variable in length. Thus with the arms in the position shown in Fig. 4, the folding fingers 51 are tilted somewhat outwardly, and, with upward swinging movement of the arms, the fingers are brought upwardly adjacent an article moving along the conveyor. While the folding fingers are being swung upwardly the carriage is moving along with an article moving on the conveyor so as to bring the cam roller 59 along another portion of the cam 60 and thus permit the spring 58a to swing its associated lever 58 to the position shown in Fig. 3. This movement of the lever 58, in effect, shortens the toggle arm 57 so as to swing the folding fingers 51 inwardly against the end of the article. As the folder B on the opposite side of the conveyor track operates in the same way, this simultaneousinward movement of both sets of folding fingers serves to center an article on the track. Because of this centering feature the machine may operate more rapidly inasmuch as the operator who manually places the banded articles on the track need not take time carefully to center the articles thereon. If the articles are anywhere near centered the inward movement of the foldingy fingers simultaneously from either side and by a predetermined amount serves to move the article into proper centered position on the conveyor. Also, the articles may vary slightly in size without interfering with the operation of the machine as the fingers are resiliently urged inwardly against the ends of the articles by the spring 58a.

As the arms are moved upwardly to the position shown in Fig. 3, the cam roller 67 associated with the bell crank lever is moved to the position shown therein by its associated cam 68. This action rocks the link 63 to bring a rod 7 0 carried by one apex of the link against pins 71 and 71a. These latter pins are secured to the movable fingers 72 and 72a which are rotatably mounted on and carried by the mounting bar 62. Such contact with the pins 71 and 71a by upward movement of the rod 70 serves to rotate the ngers inwardly to the position shown in Fig. 5 against the tension of springs 73 and 73a. Downward movement of the rod 70 permits the springs just mentioned to rotate the movable ngers 72 and 72a outwardly from the xed side folding fingers 74 and 74a. Intermediate the fixed side folding fingers is a bottom folding finger 75 which, during its upward movement, contacts the material at the bottom of the open end of the article to fold such wrapping material upwardly. lnward swinging movement of the movable fingers 72 and 72a folds the sides of the material at such open end over the xed fingers 74 and 74a to complete the fold in the sides and bottom of the material. Such movement of the folding fingers is shown in the co-pending application of M. H. Corley et al., filed March 7, 1949 as Serial No. 79,956, now U. S. Patent No. 2,654,196.

It will be noted that, when the pivot arm 55 and finger arm 64 are in the position shown in Fig. 3, the pivotal points of both arms are concentric and thus the arms may be swung downwardly without causing the movable fingers 72 and 72a to move relative to the fixed fingers. Thus; the fingers hold the fold formed in the ends of thematerial during such downward movement.

The actuating arm mechanism 52 is swung upwardly and downwardly between the positions shown in Figs. 3 and; 4 by anV adjustable pull-down rod.8f) having onel end pivotally secured to the arm 55a and carrying at its other end a cani rollerY 81,` Also`l secured to the cam roller is an arm 72 secured at its other end to the lowerfportion of the carriage 50 with the actuating rod 80 and the arm 82 serving to maintain the cam roller 81 invposition. A spring 83 has one end secured to the arm 82 and its other end secured to the carriage 50 constantly to urge the arm 82, and hence the rod 80, upwardly.

The cam roller 81 rolls on an adjustable cam mechanism 84 including a horizontal side 85, an adjustable upwardly inclined side 86 and a downwardly inclined side 87. The side 86 is pivotally secured at 88 to the horizontal portion 85 and is provided with a slot 89 engaging a pin 90 fixed to the frame. The amount of vertical movement permitted to the cam roller 81, and hence the amount of swinging movement of the actuating arm mechanism 52, is adjustably determined bythe position of the horizontal portion 85. Thus if it is desired to lessen the vertical movement, the portion 85 may be moved downwardly. By reason of the pivotal connection between the portion 85 and the side 86, the point of juncture between these two sides is not changed but is merely raised and lowered relative to the carriage. To provide for ease of adjustment of the cam mechanism 84, the side 85 is provided with an internally threaded outwardly extending portion 91 whose threads are engaged by an adjusting rod 92 extending through and above the framework and provided with a suitable locking nut 93 for locking the side 86 in adjusted position.

With the cam roller 81 in the position shown in Fig. the actuating arm mechanism, and hence the folding fingers, are in their uppermost position and have just completed folding the bottom and sides of the material at the open end of the article moving along the conveyor A. Continuing movement of the carriage along the rod 54 causes the cam roller to move downwardly along the side 87 moving the fingers downwardly out of contact with the fold formed in the end of the article. When the carriage has moved to its rightmost position a rod 94 movably mounted in the carriage contacts a stop pin 95 fixed to the frame and is moved thereby to a position overlying the arm 55 to hold the rods in their lowermost position while the carriage is moved to the left to a point where the cam roller 81 engages the side 86. At this point the rod 94 contacts a second stop pin 96 to move the rod to the right releasing the actuating arm mechanism 52 for movement in accordance with the shape of the cam 84.

Thus, during the passage of an article along the conveyor A the carriage and the folding fingers are moved along with the article, and as the cam roller 81 rolls up the upwardly inclined cam surface 86 the fingers are raised into contact with the unfolded material at `the end of the article. This motion of the folding fingers, as previously described, is upwardly and inwardly and thus serves to center the package on the conveyor. Contact of the rod 70 with the pins 71 and 71a causes the folding fingers 72 and 72a to form the fold in the two sides of the material while the finger 75 forms the fold in the bottom, the fold being made while the fingers are traveling along with the article. As the cam roller reaches the downwardly inclined` surface 87., the fingers afre progressively withdrawn from the fold and are locked in down position by the rod 94 while the carrier is returned. Regardless of the positioning of the horizontal portion 85, the pivotal connection of the cam portion 86 thereto insures that the fingers will reach their uppermost position at the same point in their travel along the path, and vertical adjustment of the horizontal portion 85 merely varies the amount of vertical movement permitted the lingers to the point where the upward movement becomes horizontal movement.

Reciprocation of the carriage 50 is achieved through a cam and lever drive as shown in Figs. 2 and 6. Rockably mounted upon a shaft 100 on the base portion of the machine are levers 101 and 101', 101' being provided with a follower 102 riding in a suitable groove formed in aV cam 103 fixed to the crankshaft 36. Rotation of the crankshaft in the manner previously described oscillates the levers 101 and 101 from the position shown in solid lines to that shown diagrammatically in dotted linesVV in Fig. 2. A shaft 104 is carried by the upper end of the rocker arm to which is secured a ball bearing, such as the bearing 105, for each of the carriages 50 and 50. Each carriage along its track 54. To prevent the carriages from rocking during its reciprocal movement, each is provided with an integral downwardly extending portion. 106 carrying a pair of'anti-rock rollers 107, 108

which are positioned on either side of a guide track 109v fixed to the frame.

The top closing members C As been previously indicated, the folding ngers serve to `fold the bottom and sides of the material extending over the end of a banded article moving along a track. TheV closing members C serve to fold the top portion of the material over the folded bottom and side portions. To this end, the closing member is movable inwardly and downwardly against the unfolded top portion to perform the folding operation and also slightly to compress the article so that the natural resiliency of the wrapped article serves to maintain the wrapping material tightly in place. If desired, the top closing members may be heated so that they serve not only to make the top fold but also to heat seal the fold in the material, assuming it to be material of a type susceptible of heat sealing. The movement of the closing members is correlated with the downfywardly movements of the fingers as the cam roller 81 travels along the downwardly inclined cam surface 87 so that the withdrawal of the fingers from the fold is initiated contemporaneously with the contact of the closing members with the top portion of the fold. Continued vdownward movement of the closing members to complete the fold is accompanied by continued downward movement of the fingers, and adjustment of the draw-down rod may be affected so that the closing members and the folding fingers are very closely spaced during such movement. For this reason the fold is always held in the material at the end, first by the folding fingers and then by the closing member as the folding fingers are withdrawn. Thus, the fold has no opportunity to slip or loosen due to the natural resiliency of the material of the article or for any other reason.

made with the unfolded top portion of the material somewhat spaced from the body of the article. This produces a gradual curve in the material at the top rather than a sharp break which would occur if the closing members were moved vertically downwardly. It has been found that a good deal of the tearing of the wrapping material during the folding operation can be eliminated by this particularmotion of the closing member.

Referring now to Figs. 1, 2 and 3, it will be noted that two closing members 110 and 111 are provided for each side of the machine. The closing member 111 is fixed to a hollow shaft 112 rotatably journaled in the framework of the machine. The hollow shaft 112 rotatably supports a second shaft 113 to which the closing member 110 is fixed. Means are provided for rotating both of the shafts 112 and 1413 so as to swing the closing members from the inoperative position, illustrated lby the position of the closing member 110 in Fig. 2, to the operative position such as exemplified by the position of the member 111. The closing members are carried by arms 115 and 115e each keyed to their respective shafts and include a hollow generally U-shaped body portion 116 to which is secured a fiat face portion 117. If it is desired to aveagos maintain the flat metallic face portion 117 heated so' thatthe closing members also operate as sealers, a heating element, such as the element 118, may be provided for each of the members.

Referring to Fig. 1, it will be noted that the right-hand end (as seen in that figure) of'the shafts 112 and 113 are each provided with'crank arms 120 and 121 to which are secured pull-down rods 122 and 123 respectively. The pull-down rod 122 (and its corresponding pull-down rod 122' for the shaft 112' on the other side of the machine) is secured to a cross rod 124 while the pulldown rod 123 is secured to a cross rod 125. The cross rod 124 is secured to an arm 126 secured to a rock shaft 127 rotatably mounted in the frame. Oscillation of the rock shaft 127 is achieved through a second arm 128 ixed thereto and carrying a pin 129 at its opposite end er1- gageable with a suitable groove formed in a rock cam 130 fixed to the crankshaft 36. Engaging a suitable groove formed in the opposite side of the cam is a pin 131 carried by an arm 132 having its opposite end fixed to a rock shaft 133 which in turn carries an arm 134 to which the cross rod 125 is secured. The grooves in the cam 130 are so arranged as to move both closing members 1'10 and 111 downwardly together from the inoperative position, that is, from a position out of the path of movement of an article moving along the conveyor A, into contact with the top portion of the material at the ends of the article. As noted, this forms the fold in the top portion and also may serve to heat seal the fold in the material. The cam grooves in the cam 130 then operate to lift the upstream closing member 110 back to its inoperative position before the closing member 111 is so lifted. By reason of such independent mounting and movement of the closing members, it is possible greatly to shorten the over-all required length of the machine. Thus the spacing between the lugs 41 and 41a can be closer together than the combined length of the two closing members 110 and 111 plus the length of the article being wrapped. Referring to Fig. 2, both closing members can be moved downwardly to their operative positions when the article 11 is advanced to a point where it is opposite the closing members. Continued advancement of the article along the conveyor track A moves it beyond the closing member 110 which is then raised to the position shown therein by the operation of the cam 130 and the motion transmitting mechanism associated therewith. With the closing member 110 raised, a new article 11 can be placed on the conveyor and moved along the track without interference from that closing member. Meanwhile, the downstream closing member 111 is still operating on the article and in cooperating with its opposite closing member 111 continues to exert the inward sealing pressure against the fold in the article.

While as previously noted the closing members may be heated so that they operate as sealers as well as folders, the machine described may also operate as an underlap folder in which case the closing members may be unheated.

Where an underlap fold is desired, sufficient material is provided at the ends of the article so that the operation of the top closing member serves to fold the top portion of the material at the end downwardly over the folded sides and bottom portion with the material then extending below the bottom of the article into a suitable space S alongside the track 42. The space S terminates in a plowshare folder 140 constructed in the usual manner to fold the excess material underneath the article where it is heat sealed in position by being passed to the hot plate E.

The article is carried over the hot plate E onto the conveyor F by the top conveyor mechanism D which includes a pair of forward side plates 141 and rear side plates 142 which side plates are spaced from each other transversely of the machine and carry suitable sprockets 143 and 144 about which a conveying chain 145v passes. The chain carries a number of fingers 146 which are so spaced along the chain as to be moved downwardly above the conveyor A immediately behind a package such as the package 11a. The sprocket 144 is driven by a chain drive 147 which in turn is driven by a pair of gears 148 and 149 at a rate faster than the rate of movement of the chain 30 on the conveyor A. Because of this the article is accelerated in its movement across the hot plate E and onto the belt conveyor F. The gear 149 is secured to a drum 150 over which the belt conveyor 151 travels and is driven by chain drives 152 and 153 suitably connected together by sprockets 154 and 155. lt will be noted that the sprocket 155 is smaller than the sprocket v154 to provide for the increased speed of the chain 145.

Even where the closing members 110 and 111 are heated so as to heat seal the fold in the material, the hot plate E may still be employed to completely seal the bottom of the article. In normal operations the material is wrapped once around the article by the operator, or by another suitable machine, and the overlapping portion of the material is tacked at one or two spots, such as by touching it with a hot iron, merely to secure the overlapping portion together sufficient to hold the material in place during its travel along the conveyor A. To seal the entire extent of the bottom overlapped portion of the material, the hot plate E may be employed and as contact is made along the entire extent of the bottom, such a seal naturally results where the material is of such nature as to be susceptible to heat sealing.

Modified form of top closing member It will be noted from the foregoing description that the top closing members 110 and 111 were stationary relative to an article moving along the conveyor. Under normal circumstances this arrangement has been found to be completely satisfactory. ln some cases, however, it may be desired to move the closing members along the path with the article. A form of apparatus moditied so as to operate is shown in Figs. 7 and 8 wherein the closing members CC are fixed to a rod rotatably mounted in plates 161 and 162 fixed to the carriage 50. For this purpose the arm 163 which supports the housing 164 of the closing member is provided with a boss portion 165 which carries a cam roller 166 positioned to roll along a cam surface 167 attached to the rear casting 168 of the carriage support. A single closing member for each side is all that is necessary in this particular form of apparatus and it is moved from the inoperative position illustrated to the operative position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 7 by movement of the cam as shown. In other respects the construction and operation of the carriage and its attendant folding fingers are similar to that in the embodiment previously de-A scribed.

We claim:

l. In a wrapping machine having a conveyor for moving an article along a predetermined path with the article having a strip of wrapping material folded therearound in one direction and extending beyond the end of the article, means for folding the material at the end comprising, a movably mounted folder carrying means for folding the material at said end, means for moving the folder into operative engagement with the material at said end to fold the same, means for moving the folder along said path with the article, a movably mounted closing member normally positioned out of contact with an article moving along said path, means for moving the closing member into contact with the folded end, 'and means for progressively withdrawing the folder from the folded end contemporaneously with the Contact of the closing member therewith.

2. In a wrapping machine having a conveyor for moving an article along a predetermined path with the article having a strip of wrapping material folded therearound in one direction and extending beyond the end of the article, means for folding the material at the end comprising, a movably mounted folder carrying means for folding the material at said end, means for moving the folder along said path with the article, a movably mounted closing member on one side of the path and normally positioned out of contact with an article moving along said path, an opposing member on the opposite side of said path and opposite the closing member, means for moving the closing member downwardly and inwardly toward said path progressively to contact the folded end from top to bottom and to compress the article between the opposing member and the closing member, and means for progressively withdrawing the folder downwardly from the folded end contemporaneously with the contact of the closing member therewith.

3. In a wrapping machine having a conveyor for moving an article along a predetermined path with the article having a strip of heat-sealable wrapping material folded therearound in one direction and extending beyond the end of the article, means for folding and sealing the material at the end comprising, a movably mounted folder carrying means for folding the material at said end, means for moving the folder along said path with the article, a movably mounted closing member on one side of the path and normally positioned out of contact with an article moving along said path, an opposing member on the opposite side of said path and opposite the closing member, means for heating the closing member, means for moving the closing member downwardly and inwardly toward said path progressively to contact the folded end from top to bottom and to compress the article between the opposing member and the closing member and simultaneously to heat seal the folded end, and means for progressively withdrawing the folder downwardly from the folded end contemporaneously with the contact of the closing member therewith.

4. In a wrapping machine having a conveyor for moving an article along a predetermined path with the article having a strip of wrapping material folded therearound in one direction and extending beyond the end of the article, means for folding the material at the end comprising, a movably mounted folder carrying means for folding the material at said end, means for moving the folder into operative engagement with the material at said end to fold the same, means for moving the folder along said path with the article, a movably mounted closing member normally positioned out of contact with an article moving along said path, means for moving the closing member into contact with the folded end and simultaneously to move the closing member along said path with the article, and means for progressively withdrawing the folder from the folded end contemporaneously with the contact of the closing member therewith.

5. In a wrapping machine having a conveyor for moving an article along a predetermined path with the article having a strip of wrapping material folded therearound in one direction and extending beyond the end of the article, means for folding the material at the end comprising, a movably mounted folder carrying means for folding the material at said end, means for moving the folder into operative engagement with the material at said end to fold the same, means for moving the folder along said path with the article, a closing member movably mounted on the folder and normally positioned out of contact with an article moving along said path, means for moving the closing member into contact with the folded end, and means for progressively withdrawing the folder from the folded end contemporaneously with the contact of the closing member therewith.

6. ln a wrapping machine having a conveyor for moving an article along a predetermined path with the article having a strip of heat-scalable wrapping material folded therearound in one direction and extending beyond the end of the article, means for folding and sealing the material at the end comprising, a folder mounted on the machine for movement from a non-operative position spaced from said path to an operative position immediately adjacent said path, a plurality of folding lingers movably mounted on the folder, means for moving the folder from the non-operative position to the operative positionand for moving the lingers into engagement with the sides and bottom of the material at said open end to fold the same, means for moving the folder along said path with the article to hold the fold in the material, a movably mounted closing member on one side of the path and normally positioned out of contact with an article moving along said path, an opposing member on the opposite side of said path and opposite the closing member, means for heating the closing member, means for moving the heated closing member downwardly against the top of the material at said open end to fold the same and for continuing the downward movement of the closing member progressively to contact the folded end from top to bottom to compress the article between the opposing member and the closing member and simultaneously to heat seal the folded end, and means for progressively withdrawing the folder downwardly from the folded end contemporaneously with the contact of the closing member therewith.

7. In a wrapping machine having a conveyor for moving an article along a predetermined path with the article having a strip of heat-scalable wrapping material folded therearound in one direction and extending beyond the end of the article, means for folding and sealing the material at the end comprising, a folder mounted on the machine for movement from a nonoperative position spaced from said path to an operative position immediately adjacent said path, a plurality of folding fingers movably mounted on the folder, means for moving the folder from the non-operative position to the operative position and for moving the lingers into engagement with the sides and bottom of the material at said open end to fold the same, means for moving the folder along said path with the article to hold the fold in the material, a movably mounted closing member normally positioned out of contact with an article moving along said path, means for heating the closing member, means for moving the closing member downwardly against the top of the material at said open end to fold the same and for continuing the downward movement of the closing member progressively to contact the folded end from top to bottom, means for moving the closing member along said path with the article during the downward movement thereof, and means for progressively withdrawing the ngers from the folded end contemporaneously with the contact of the closing member therewith.

8. In a wrapping machine for wrapping an article having a strip of wrapping material folded therearound in one direction and extending beyond the end of the article, means for folding the material at said end comprising, a movably mounted folder carrying means for folding the material at said end, means for moving the folder into operative engagement with said end to fold the same, means for maintaining the folder substantially stationary relative to the article to hold the fold therein, a movably mounted closing member normally positioned out of contact with an article, means for moving the closing member into contact with the folded end, and means for progressively withdrawing the folder from the folded end contemporaneously with the contact of the closing membertherewith.

j9. ln a wrapping machine for wrapping an article having a strip of wrapping material folded therearound in one direction and extending beyond the end of the article, means for folding the material at said end comprising, a movably mounted folder carrying means for folding the material at said end, means for moving the folder into operative engagement with said end to fold the sides and bottom thereof, means for maintaining` the folder substantially stationary relative to the article to hold the fold therein, a movably mounted closing member normally positioned out of contact with an article, means for moving the closing member downwardly into contact with the top portion of the material at said end to fold the same downwardly over the folded sides and bottom, and means for progressively withdrawing the folder from the folded end contemporaneously with the contactof the closing member therewith,

10. In a wrapping machine for wrapping an article having a strip of heat-scalable wrapping material folded therearound in one direction and extending beyond the end of the article, means for folding and sealing the material at said endl comprising, a folder for folding the material at saidy end, means for holding the fold therein, a movable closing member,` means for heating the closing member, means for moving the heated closing member into contact with the folded end to heat seal the fold therein, and means for progressively releasing the rst hold on the fold contemporaneously with the contact of the closing member with the folded end.

11. ln a wrapping machine for wrapping an article having a strip of heat-scalable wrapping material folded therearound in one direction and extending beyond the end of the article, means for folding and sealing the material at said end comprising, a folder for folding the material at said end, means for holding the, fold therein, a movable closing member positioned on one side of an article on the machine, means for heating the closing member, an opposing member on the opposite side of an article on the machine, means for moving the heated closing member inwardly against the folded end to compress the article between the opposing member and the closing member and to heat seal the fold therein, and means for progressively releasing the first hold on the fold contemporaneously' with the contact of the closing member with the folded end.

12. In a wrapping machine for wrapping an article having a strip of heat-scalable wrapping material folded therearound in one direction and extending beyond the end of the article, means, for folding and sealing the material at said end comprising, a folder, a plurality of folding fingers movably mounted on the folder, means for moving the fingers into engagement with the sides and bottom of the material at said end to fold the same, a movably mounted closing member positioned on one side of an` article on the machine, means for heating the closing member, an opposing member on the opposite side of an article on the machine, means for moving the heated closing member downwardly and inwardly against the top of the material at said end to fold the same over the folded sides and bottom and simultaneously to compress the article between the opposing member and the closing member and heat seal the folded end, and means for progressively withdrawing the lingers from the folded end contemporaneously with the contact of the closing member therewith.

13. In a wrapping machine having a conveyor for moving an article along` a predetermined path with the article having a strip of heat-sealable wrapping material folded therearound in one direction and extending beyond the end of the article, meansv for folding and sealing the material at said end comprising, a folder mounted for movement along said path, means for moving the folder along said path with an article, a plurality of folding lingers movably mounted on the folder, means for moving the fingers into engagement with the sides and bottom of the material at said end to/fold the same, a movably mounted closing member on one sideof they path, means for heatingthe closing member, an opposing member on the opposite,l side. of. the. path and opposite; the closing member.,

I2 means for' moving the heated closing member downwardly and inwardly against the top of the material at said end to fold the same over the folded sides and bottom and and then continuing the downward movement of the sealer to fold said top portion over the folded sides and bottom while simultaneously releasing the hold thereon.

15. The method for folding and sealing the open ends.

of a strip of heat-scalable wrapping material folded in one direction about an article which comprises moving the article along a predetermined path, moving each of a pair of folding means positioned on either side of said path inwardly a predetermined distance against the article to center the same for movement along the path, movingl said folding means along said path with the article while folding the material at said ends, and then moving each of av pair of heated Sealers positioned on opposite sides of said path inwardly against said folded ends to compress the article and to heat seal the fold therein.

16. The method for folding and sealing the open ends of a strip of heat-scalable wrapping material folded in one direction about an article which comprises moving the article along a predetermined path, moving each of a pair of folding means positioned on either side of said' path inwardly a predetermined distance against the article to center the same for movement along the path, moving said folding means along said path with the article while folding the bottom and sides of the material at said ends, and then moving each of a pair of heated sealers positio-ned on opposite sides of said path downwardly and inwardly against said ends to fold the top portion of said material over the folded sides and bottom and to compress the article and simultaneously to heat seal said fold while contemporaneously withdrawing the folding means from said folded end.

17. The method for folding and sealing the open ends of a strip of heat-sealablewrapping material folded in one direction about an article which comprises moving the article along a predetermined path, folding the material at each of said ends while continuing the movement of the article along said path, holding the fold therein, and

then progressively applying heat and pressure to said folded end while contemporaneously releasing the hold on saidl fold to compress and heat seal said fold.

18. The method for folding and sealing the open ends of a strip of heat-scalable wrapping material folded in one direction about an article which comprises moving the atricle along a predetermined path, centering the article for movement along said path, folding the bottom and sides of the material at each end while continuing the movement of said article along the path, applying heat and pressure progressively downwardly and inwardly from the top of the article to fold the material at the top of each end over the folded sides and bottom and simultaneously to compress the article and heat seal the fold therein.

19. The method for folding and sealing the open ends.

of a strip of heat-sealable wrapping material folded in one direction about an article which comprises movingv progressively. downwardly and, inwardly from the top of.

13 the article to fold the material at the top of each end over the folded sides and bottom and simultaneously to compress the article and heat seal the fold therein and simultaneously progressively releasing said inward pressure from the top to bottom.

20. In a wrapping machine having a support for an article carrying a strip of wrapping material folded therearound in one direction and extending beyond the end of the article, means for folding the material at the end comprising, a carriage on the machine, a finger block, folding fingers mounted on the block, a link fixed to the block, a first arm pivoted at one end to the link and pivoted at its other end to the carriage, a second arm pivoted at one end to the link at a point spaced from the pivotal connection of the first arm thereto with the second arm being pivoted at its other end to a lever, means for swinging the arms to bring the fingers into folding engagement with the material at said end and to withdraw the fingers from a fold formed in said end, and means for pivoting the lever to vary the effective length of the second arm to tilt the fingers inwardly toward the article during their movement into folding engagement with the material thereon.

21. In a wrapping machine having a support for an article carrying a strip of wrapping material folded therearound in one direction and extending beyond the end of the article, means for folding the material at the end comprising a carriage on the machine, a finger block, folding fingers mounted on the block, a link fixed to the block, a plurality of arms pivoted to the link and to the carriage to form a quadrilateral, means for swinging the arms to bring the fingers into folding engagement with the material at said end and to withdraw the fingers from a fold formed in said end, and means for varying the effective length of one of said arms to tilt the lingers inwardly toward the article during their movement into folding engagement with the material thereon.

22. In a wrapping machine having a frame providing a support for an article carrying a strip of wrapping material folded therearound in one direction and extending beyond the end of the article, means for folding the material at the end comprising, a finger block, folding fingers mounted on the block, a link fixed to the block, a plurality of arms pivotally connected to the link and to the frame to form a quadrilateral, means for swinging the arms to bring the fingers into folding engagement with the material at said end and to withdraw the fingers from a fold formed in said end, and means for varying the effective length of one of said arms to tilt the fingers inwardly toward the article during their movement into folding engagement with the material thereon.

23. In a wrapping machine having a frame and a conveyor on the frame for moving an article along a predetermined path with the article having a strip of wrapping material folded therearound in one direction and extending beyond the end of the article, means for folding the material at said end comprising a carriage mounted on the frame for movement parallel to said path, a finger block, folding fingers mounted on the block, a link fixed to the block, a first arm pivoted at one end to the link and pivoted at its other end to the carriage,- a second arm pivoted at one end to the link at a point spaced from the pivotal connection of the first arm thereto with the second arm being pivoted at its other end to a lever, means for moving the carriage along with an article moving on the conveyor, means operating during such movement of the carriage for swinging the arms to bring the fingers into folding engagement with the material at said end and to withdraw the fingers from a fold formed in said end, a cam on the frame, and a cam follower carried by the lever and riding on the cam for pivoting the lever to vary the effective length of the second arm to tilt the fingers inwardly toward the article during their movement into folding engagement with the material thereon.

24. In a wrapping machine having a frame and a conveyor on the frame for moving an article along a predetermined path with the article having a strip of wrapping material folded therearound in one direction and extending beyond the end of the article, means for folding the material at said end comprising a carriage mounted on the frame for movement parallel to said path, a finger block, a plurality of folding fingers rotatably mounted on the block, a pin secured to each movable finger for rotating the same, a rst link fixed to the block, a first arm pivoted at one end to the link and pivoted at its other end to the carriage, a second arm pivoted at one end to the link at a point spaced from the pivotal connection of the first arm thereto with the second arm being pivoted at its other end to a lever, a second link pivotally connected to the first link, a third arm pivoted at one end to the second link and at its other end to a bell crank pivoted to the carriage, means for moving the carriage along with an article moving on the conveyor, means operating during such movement of the carriage for swinging the arms to bring the fingers into position for folding engagement with the material at said end and to withdraw the fingers from a fold formed in said end, an actuating rod carried by the second link and positioned to contact the pins with pivotal movement of the second link to rotate the movable fingers, a cam on the frame, a cam follower carried by the lever and riding on the cam for pivoting the lever to vary the effective length of the second arm to tilt the fingers inwardly toward the article during their movement into folding engagement with the material thereon, a second cam on the frame, a cam follower carried by the bell crank and riding on the second cam for moving the movable fingers to fold the material at said end during the engagement of the fingers therewith.

25. In a wrapping machine having a frame and a conveyor on the frame for moving an article along a predetermined path with the article having a strip of wrapping material folded therearound in one direction and extending beyond the end of the article, means for folding the material at said end comprising a carriage mounted on the frame for movement parallel to said path, a finger block, a plurality of fixed fingers and a plurality of movable fingers rotatably mounted on the block, means secured to each movable nger for rotating the same, a first link fixed to the block, an arm pivoted at one end to the link and pivoted at its other end to the carriage, a second link pivotally connected to the first link, a finger arm pivoted at one end to the second link and at its other end to a lever pivotally mounted on the carriage, means foi moving the carriage along with an article moving on the conveyor, means operating during such movement of the carriage for swinging the arms to bring the fingers into engagement with the material at said end and to withdraw the ngers from a fold formed in said end, actuating means carried by the second link and positioned to contact the finger moving means with pivotal movement of the second link torotate the movable fingers to form the fold and means for operating the lever to move the finger arm whereby to rotate the second link to rotate the movable fingers, said means operating to bring the pivotal axis of said other end of the finger arm concentric with the pivotal axis of said other end of the pivot arm whereby ensuing swinging movement of the arms can be achieved without moving the movable fingers out of their folding engagement with the material at said end.

26. In a wrapping machine having a frame and means on the frame for supporting an article having a strip of wrapping material folded therearound in one direction and extending beyond the end of the article, means for folding the material at said end comprising a carriage, a finger block, la plurality of fixed fingers and a plurality of movable fingers rotatably mounted on the block, means secured to each movable finger for rotating the same, a first link fixed to the block, an arm pivoted at one end to the link and pivoted at its other end to the carriage, a second link pivotally connected to the first link, a finger arm pivoted at one end to the second link and at its other end to a lever pivotally mounted on the carriage, means for swinging the arms to bring the fingers into engagement with the material at said end and to withdraw the fingers from a fold formed in said end, actuating means carried by the second link and positioned to contact the finger moving means with pivotal movement of the second link to rotate the movable fingers to form the fold and means for operating the lever to move the finger arm whereby to rotate the second link to rotate the movable fingers, said means operating to bring the pivotal axis of said other end of the finger arm concentric with the pivotal axis of said other end of the pivot arm whereby ensuing swinging movement of the arms can be achieved without moving the movable fingers out of their folding engagement with the material at said end.

27. In a wrapping machine having a frame and a conveyor on the frame for moving an article along a predetermined path with the article having a strip of wrapping material folded therearound in one direction and extending beyond the end of the article, means for folding the material' at said end comprising a carriage mounted on the frame for movement parallel to said path, a finger block, folding fingers mounted on the block, a link fixed to the block, a first arm pivoted at one end to the link and pivoted at its other end to the carriage, a second arm pivoted at one end to the link at a point spaced from the pivotal connection of the first arm thereto with the second arm being pivoted at its other end to a lever, means for moving the carriage along with an article moving on the conveyor, a first cam on the frame, means secured to the arms and riding on the cam for swinging the arms during such movement of the carriage to bring the fingers into folding engagement with the material at said end and to withdraw the fingers from a fold formed in said end, a second cam on the frame, and a cam follower carried by the lever and riding on the second cam for pivoting the lever to vary the effective length of the second arm to tilt the fingers inwardly toward the article during their movement into folding engagement with the material thereon.

28. In a wrapping machine having a frame and a conveyor on the frame for moving an article along a predetermined path with the article having a strip of wrapping material folded therearound in one direction and extending beyond the end of the article, means for folding the material at said end comprising a carriage mounted on the frame for movement parallel to said path, a finger block, folding fingers mounted on the block, a link fixed to the block, a first arm pivoted at one end to the link and pivoted at its other end to the carriage, a second arm pivoted at one end to the link at a point spaced from the pivotal connection of the first arm thereto with the second arm being pivoted at its other end to a lever, means for moving the carriage along with an article moving on the conveyor, a cam on the frame having an upwardly inclined portion, a downwardly inclined portion, and a horizontal portion between and spacing the inclined portion with the horizontal portion being pivotally secured to the upwardly inclined portion of the cam, a pull down rod secured to the arms and having a follower riding on the cam for swinging the arms vertically during such movement of the carriage to bring the fingers into folding engagement with the material at said end and to withdraw the fingers from a fold formed in said end, and means for adjusting the horizontal portion of the cam whereby to vary the vertical swinging movement of the arms.

29. In a wrapping machine having a frame and a conveyor on the frame for moving an article along a predetermined path with the article having a strip of wrapping material folded therearound in one direction and extending beyond the end of the article, means for Afolding the material at said end comprising a carriage mounted on the frame for movement parallel to said path, a finger block, a plurality of folding fingers rotatably mounted on the block, a pin secured to each movable finger for rotating the same, a first link fixed to the block, a first arm pivoted at one end to the link and pivoted at its other end to the carriage, a second arm pivoted at one end to the link at a point spaced from the pivotal connection of the first arm thereto with the second arm being pivoted at its other end to a lever, a first cam on the frame having an upwardly inclined portion, a downwardly inclined portion, and a horizontal portion between and spacing the inclined portion with the horizontal portion being pivotally secured to the upwardly inclined portion of the cam, a pull down rod secured to the arms and having a follower riding on the cam for swinging the arms vertically during such movement of the carriage to bring the fingers into folding engagement with the material at said end and to withdraw the fingers from a fold formed in said end, and means for adjusting the horizontal portion of the cam whereby to vary the vertical swinging movement of the arms, a second link pivotally connected to the first link, a third arm pivoted at one end to the second link and at its other end to a bell crank pivoted to the carriage, an actuating rod carried by the second link and positioned to contact the pins with pivotal movement of the second link to rotate the movable fingers, a second cam on the frame, a cam follower carried by the lever and riding on the second cam for pivoting the lever to vary the effective length of the second arm to tilt the fingers inwardly toward the article during their movement into folding engagement with the material thereon, a third cam on the frame, and a cam follower carried by the bell crank and riding on the third cam for moving the movable fingers to fold the material at said end during the engagement of the fingers therewith.

30. In a wrapping machine having a conveyor for moving a plurality of articles in spaced relationship along a predetermined path with each article having a strip of wrapping material folded therearound in one direction and extending beyond the end of the article, means for folding the material at the end comprising a movably mounted folder carrying means for folding the material at said end, a pair of independently mounted closing members each normally positioned out of contact with an article moving along said path, means for moving the closing members together into position to contact the folded end, and means for moving the closing member positioned upstream relative to an article moving along said path out of said path and subsequently moving the other closing member out of said path whereby articles having a length greater than the spacing between articles along said path may be accommodated on said machine.

3 l. In a wrapping machine having a conveyor for moving a plurality of articles in spaced relationship along a predetermined path with each article having a strip of wrapping material folded therearound in one direction and extending beyond the end of the article, means for folding the material at the end comprising a movably mounted folder carrying means for folding said material at said end, means for moving the folder along said path with the article and for operating the folder to fold the material at the sides and bottom of said end, a pair of closing members mounted for independent movement along one side of said path, means for moving the closing members simultaneously downwardly and inwardly against the top of the material at said end to fold the same downwardly over the folded sides and bottom, and means for moving the closing member positioned upstream relative to an article moving along said path upwardly and outwardly, and then subsequently moving the other closing member upwardly and outwardly out of contact with an article moving along said path whereby articles having a length greater than the spacing between 17 articles along said path may be accommodated on said machine.

32. In a wrapping machine having a conveyor for moving a plurality of articles in spaced relationship along a predetermined path with each article having a strip of wrapping material folded therearound in one direction and extending beyond the end of the article, means for folding the material at the end comprising a movably mounted folder carrying means for folding said material at said end, means for moving the folder along said path with the article and for operating the folder to fold the material at the sides and bottom of said end, a pair of closing members mounted for independent movement along one side of said path, means for` heating each of the closing members, means for moving the closing members simultaneously downwardly and inwardly against the top of the material at said end to fold the same downwardly over the folded sides and bottom and simultaneously to heat seal the fold in said end, and means for moving the closing member positioned upstream relative to an article moving along said path upwardly and outwardly and then subsequently moving the other closing member upwardly and outwardly out of contact with an article moving along said path whereby articles having a length greater than the spacing between articles along said path may be accommodated on said machine.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,110,083 Streich et al Sept. 8, 1914 2,255,975 Hultkrans Sept. 16, 1941 2,279,842 Smith et al. Apr. 14, 1942 2,590,127 Sandberg Mar. 25, 1952 

